Searching for Crisis Lines

Intake, assessment, referral, wait list registration and appointment booking for mental health, addictions, and crisis services. Service provided through the phone line and drop-in sites.

Service categories include:

• information, assessment and referral
• crisis assessment
• support coordination
• peer / self help
• short-term crisis support beds
• court support and diversion
• community counselling and treatment
• support within housing
• day / evening treatment
• residential treatment
• Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT)
• eating disorders
• early psychosis treatment and support services

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) - program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
​
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - On-site early intervention and crisis intervention​

• needs assessment
• safety planning
• referrals to community services
• enhanced support for vulnerable victims
• assistance with applications to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses

• Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal and treatment at a recovery facility
• No direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
  
• Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

Project Lifesaver: provides wrist transmitters to individuals who may wander due to cognitive impairment. Suitable for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, autism, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (VSW partners with Wellington County OPP and Guelph Police Service).

Spira Fire Victim Relief Fund: financial aid for those experiencing material loss due to a residential fire and are uninsured.

Crisis line that offers immediate phone support and information to women who are experiencing or have experienced any form of physical, emotional, verbal, financial or sexual abuse, including recent and/or childhood abuse.

• confidential and anonymous
• connection to appropriate services - safe shelter, safety planning, legal / medical / housing assistance, counselling
• referral / liaison with other community supports and resources
• support for family members and concerned friends

Support services for women and their children who are experiencing or have experienced physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, financial abuse and / or stalking.

• non-residential program (connects women to Marianne's Place)
• individual and group counselling
• child care available during counselling
• safety planning
• support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse / sexual assault / harassment / stalking / human trafficking
• appointment arranged in mutually agreed location if required
• transportation, accompaniment to police, court, hospital, lawyer, shelter, rural services
• advocacy / referral to community agencies
• education / training on all woman abuse / sexual violence issues
• support for criminal injuries compensation / victim impact statements / restraining orders
• housing / legal / financial / custody information and support
• support for family / partners / friends of survivors
• Family Court Support
• client library and resource materials
• public education presentations available on request

Volunteer opportunities available; training provided in Guelph.

Offers support and counselling to women who have experienced sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse or sexual harassment recently or in the past.

• individual / group counselling and support
• accompaniment to hospital / police / court
• advocacy / court preparation / community referrals
• assistance with victim impact statements
• sexual harassment support / accompaniment
• information on sexual assault / sexual harassment / childhood sexual abuse / incest / stalking
• information on legal / medical procedures and options
• client workshops on selected topics
• support for family / friends of sexually violated survivors
• public education / training / information sessions available on request
• client library and resource materials

Volunteer opportunities include:

• supporting sexual assault / incest survivors
• providing 24-hour on call service / public education / accompaniment

Risk assessment, safety planning, one-on-one counselling, group counselling, workshops, emergency shelter, transitional planning, housing and legal support, custody and access support, victim impact statement and court preparation, advocacy and public education.

Programs include Marianne's Place (shelter), Transitional and Housing Support Program, Family Court Support Program, Rural Women's Support Program, Sexual Assault Centre, 24-hour Crisis Line, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Program.

Support and counselling for women who have experienced human trafficking and sexual exploitation recently or in the past. Services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental. No ID required.

• immediate telephone support and information through 24-hour Crisis Line
• individual / group counselling and support
• accompaniment to hospital / police / court
• advocacy / court preparation / community referrals
• assistance with victim impact statements
• sexual harassment support / accompaniment
• risk assessments and safety planning
• information on and support through legal / medical / immigration processes and options
• information on sexual assault / sexual harassment / childhood sexual abuse / incest / stalking
• housing or emergency shelter support
• substance use community supports
• support for family / friends of sexually violated survivors
• facilitated culturally appropriate connections
• public education, training, targeted outreach
• client library and resource materials

Provides a trauma-informed, harm reduction, intersectional approach and response to crisis, working from an anti-racism, anti-oppression framework.

Additional e-mail address: [email protected]

Crisis services for all people, all genders, who have experienced sexual violence, Human Trafficking and / or domestic violence. May include physical examination, treatment of injuries, medications to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, information on pregnancy, choice of completing the Sexual Assault Evidence Kit.

• Emotional support, trauma counselling, safety planning and follow-up care.

Individuals are seen in a private room by specially trained sexual assault / domestic violence nurses to ensure confidential and sensitive treatment. Police are not called unless the patient indicates this choice.

Note: Guelph General Hospital is the designated sexual assault centre for the region

Free and confidential service designed for anyone in the Guelph-Wellington community who is experiencing any form of distress.

Trained volunteers provide emotional support, goal and safety planning, and assistance to callers in connecting with other community resources. Volunteers provide confidential, solution-focused response and assessment of crisis with intervention when required.

• support for people who are experiencing distress about their circumstances
• referral to community services
• training provided for volunteers on listening and communication skills, solution-focused conversation, and assessing high risk situations

ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with provincial legislation.

Distress Line

• 519-821-3760 ext. 1
• Supports mild to moderate levels of distress through active listening.

TeleConnect

• 519-821-3760 ext. 2
• Outbound call service designed to support community members of Guelph-Wellington who are struggling with independent living.

LGBTQ+ Support Line

• 519-669-3760
• Supports members of the LGBTQ+ Community by providing a safe space to chat and connect with resources. Texting is also an option.

Short-term, inpatient program to assess and stabilize individuals exhibiting life-threatening and / or self-injurious behaviour related to psychiatric illness or disorders.

Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region operates two emergency shelters for abused women and their children: Anselma House in Kitchener (519) 742-5894 and Haven House in Cambridge (519) 653-2422 plus a regional Outreach program. They also offer transitional housing. Serve women age 16 plus, with or without their children.

Can be reached by text, instructions on website for how to erase browser history. Also offer translation services, both in person and on the phone.

This is a free service, both in shelter and outreach programs.

A community-based, non-profit organization

• Provides services and support to people and their families who have experienced sexual violence
• Offers individual counselling to all genders (16 years of age and older) in both Kitchener and Cambridge
• 24-Hour Support Line and support groups, advocacy, referrals, and accompaniments to the hospital, police, and courthouse
• Program supporting women who have experienced violence as they navigate the Family Court process.

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) - program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
​
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - On-site early intervention and crisis intervention​

• needs assessment
• safety planning
• referrals to community services
• enhanced support for vulnerable victims
• assistance with applications to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses

• Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal and treatment at a recovery facility
• No direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
  
• Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region operates two emergency shelters for abused women and their children: Anselma House in Kitchener (519) 742-5894 and Haven House in Cambridge (519) 653-2422 plus a regional Outreach program. They also offer transitional housing. Serve women age 16 plus, with or without their children.

Can be reached by text, instructions on website for how to erase browser history. Also offer translation services, both in person and on the phone.

This is a free service, both in shelter and outreach programs.

Support line is a resource for anyone who has experienced sexual violence as a child or adult, and their friends and families

• Provide emotional support and intervention, options, information, referrals, as well as advocacy and accompaniments
• Phone support is available in more than 200 languages through an interpreter service
• Online chat support available as well, see website for availability.
  

Provides services and support to people and their families who have experienced sexual violence

• Offers individual counselling to all genders (16 years of age and older) in both Kitchener and Cambridge
• 24 Hour Support Line and support groups, advocacy, referrals, and accompaniments for women to the hospital, police, and courthouse

Family Court Support Worker Program -

• Information on the family court process
• Assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
• Referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• Safety planning
• Court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Anti-Human Trafficking Program - Wrap-around services to those experiencing sexual exploitation and those who are at risk within Waterloo Region.

• Counselling
• Advocacy
• Crisis support
• Safety planning
• Related accompaniments
• Practical assistance
• Support through legal processes
• Support with obtaining housing
• Connections to community supports
• Public education and outreach

A community-based, non-profit organization

• Provides services and support to people and their families who have experienced sexual violence
• Offers individual counselling to all genders (16 years of age and older) in both Kitchener and Cambridge
• 24-Hour Support Line and support groups, advocacy, referrals, and accompaniments to the hospital, police, and courthouse
• Program supporting women who have experienced violence as they navigate the Family Court process.

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) - program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
​
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - On-site early intervention and crisis intervention​

• needs assessment
• safety planning
• referrals to community services
• enhanced support for vulnerable victims
• assistance with applications to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses

• Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal and treatment at a recovery facility
• No direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
  
• Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) - program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
​
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - On-site early intervention and crisis intervention​

• needs assessment
• safety planning
• referrals to community services
• enhanced support for vulnerable victims
• assistance with applications to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses

• Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal and treatment at a recovery facility
• No direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
  
• Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

This is a general overview of Crisis & Distress resources, serving Halton region

• In an emergency call 9-1-1 for police, fire and/or ambulance
• for emergency shelters in Halton and surrounding area, see listing BTN4778

General Crisis & Distress

YOUTH (17 yrs & younger)

ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids)

• 905-878-9785
• for children and youth in crisis, and caregivers/community members
• see listing, BTN4032

ADULTS (16 yrs & older)

COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)

• 1-877-825-9011
• telephone support and mobile intervention program for those who are in crisis and have a mental health concern
• see listing, MHH0509

ALL AGES

988 Suicide Crisis Helpline

• call or text 9-8-8, or 1-833-456-4566
• national telephone and text suicide prevention and support
• see listing, MET7492

Distress Centre Halton

• Oakville: 905-849-4541
• Burlington: 905-681-1488
• North Halton: 905-877-1211
• Hamilton: 905-561-5800
• see listing, MHH0488

Addiction & Gambling

ConnexOntario

• 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247
• online chat
• email
• access to addiction, mental health and problem gambling services
• see listing, LON6230

Caregivers

Ontario Caregiver Organization

• Toll free helpline 1-833-416-2273 (CARE)
• supports Ontario's caregivers by being the one point of contact for information about existing services and supports
• online chat
• peer and community support groups
• see listing, MET8105

Children and Youth Mental Health

One Stop Talk (available Mon-Fri 12 noon-8 pm & Sat 12 noon-4 pm)

• 1-855-416-8255
• connect directly with a counsellor through online chat, video and voice
• offers children, youth (under 18 yrs) and their families immediate access to free mental health support through single session counselling and ensures direct referral to additional service when needed
• services are provided through an integrated network of infant, child and youth mental health agencies across Ontario
• see listing, MET1991

Kids Help Phone

• 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• online chat
• bilingual help-line provides free counselling, information and referral on anonymous basis to children and youth
• ages 5-30
• see listing, MET6983

Good2Talk (post-secondary school students)

• Counselling Line: 1-866-925-5454
• Crisis Text Line: text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
• provides information and referrals about services and supports for mental health, addictions and well-being on and off campus or speak anonymously with a professional counsellor
• see listing, MET2344

Naseeha (available daily, 12 noon-3 am)

• Helpline and Text line: 1-866-627-3342
• Muslim youth helpline serving Muslim and non-Muslim youth across North America
• a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need
• provides workshops, web therapy sessions, and phone & texting mental health support
• see listing, PEL1127

Youthspace.ca (available daily 9 pm-12 midnight)

• Text line: 778-783-0177
• Online crisis and emotional support chat service for youth
• chat online or via text message
• conversations limited to 60 minutes
• see listing, IMP0305

First Responders

Boots on the Ground

• Toll free 1-833-677-2668
• peer support for first responders
• services offered to retired and serving police officers, firefighters, EMS, corrections officers, and nurses across the province
• able to provide in person peer support as needed
• see listing, OAK0181

Indigenous peoples

Hope for Wellness Helpline

• 1-855-242-3310
• online chat
• a mental health helpline, telephone or online chat, for Indigenous peoples
• provides immediate, culturally relevant crisis counselling support
• refers callers to additional supports if needed
• see listing, IMP0326

TALK4HEALING

• Helpline and Text line: 1-855-554-4325 (1-855-554-HEAL)
• online chat
• 24/7 help, support and resources for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, all across Ontario
• services in 14 Indigenous languages
• see listing, IMP0327

Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line

• 1-866-925-4419
• immediate and culturally appropriate counselling supports to former students who are experiencing distress
• see website

2SLGBTQ+

LGBT YouthLine (available Sun to Fri, 4 pm-9:30 pm)

• Text 647-694-4275
• email: [email protected]
• online chat
• peer support by email, text and online chat
• information and referral
• anonymous and confidential
• Youth Line blog
• referral database of LGBTQ+ youth services
• see listing, MET7095

Trans Lifeline (available Mon-Fri 1 pm-9 pm)

• Toll free 1-877-330-6366
• a hot-line that is staffed by transgender people for transgender people in crisis
• based out of the USA
• see listing, IMP0092

Interligne

• Phone or Text 1-888-505-1010
• confidential information and support service for individuals concerned with sexual orientation and gender identity issues
• service offered through telephone, text, chat, and email
• Acts of Homophobia Registry
• see listing, IMP0133

Veterans

Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service

• Toll free 1-800-268-7708
• TTY 1-800-567-5803
• psychological support for veterans, former RCMP members, their families and caregivers
• see website

VETS (Veterans Emergency Transition Services) Canada

• 1-888-228-3871
• for Canadian veterans who are in crisis, at risk of becoming homeless or are homeless and their family members
• see listing, IMP0122

Sexual Assault and Domestic/Family Violence

YOUTH

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (see full listing, BTN0483)

For children in need of care/protection, report to either:

• Halton Children's Aid Society at 905-333-4441 or toll free 1-866-607-5437
• Halton Regional Police Service, Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau at (non-emergency) 905-825-4747 ext 8970

ADULTS

Halton Womens Place

• South Halton: 905-332-7892
• North Halton: 905-878-8555
• 24 hour crisis lines and shelter for abused women and their dependent children, emergency transportation to shelter available
• see listing, BTN2544

SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services)

• 24 hour crisis line: 905-875-1555
• free individual counselling for ages 16 and up
• support services for friends and family members
• advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
• see listing, OAK2741

Femaide

• 1-877-336-2433 (1-877-FEMAIDE)
• provincial crisis line and confidential services for Francophone women who are victims or survivors of any form of violence or are in distress
• crisis intervention, support and referral to community agencies
• see listing, MET4619

Assaulted Women's Helpline

• 1-866-863-0511 or text #SAFE (#7233) on your Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile phone
• telephone crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information and community services
• ages 16 and up
• see listing, MET5691

Seniors Safety Line

• 1-866-299-1011
• 24 hour crisis and support line for seniors in Ontario who have experienced any type of abuse or neglect
• see listing, MET5690

Other three-digit (N11) helplines serving Halton

• 811 - Health Care Information & Service Navigation Assistance (Health Connect Ontario)
• 711 - Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS, relay service, IP-relay)
• 611 - Telephone Service Provider
• 511 - Provincial Road Conditions & Tow Truck Services, in restricted Tow Zones (Ontario 511)
• 411 - Commercial & Residential Directory Assistance (YellowPages)
• 311 - Regional Services Intake & Information, Public & Family Health Information Line (Access Halton)
• 211 - Community Information, Resource & Service Navigation (Ontario 211)

For a larger list of resources available, visit General Crisis Intervention Hotlines or Distress Phone Lines

Major Services:

• 24 hour crisis lines for abused women
• HWP Chat provides online support, Mon-Sun 24 hrs, from a training Violence Against Women Counsellor
• safe shelter accommodation, food, and basic personal items for a maximum of 8 weeks for abused women and their dependent children
• individual and/or supportive group counselling at the shelter
• community agency information and referral when necessary
• court support for interim custody and restraining orders
• children's services
• emergency transportation to shelter, if necessary
• depart planning
• SafePet Program
• advocacy and public education around ending violence against women
• transitional support program
• accepts donations of goods for those in the shelter and those moving from the shelter to permanent housing (see list of needs here)

Family Court Support Worker Program

Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the familly court system.

Support provided includes:

• information on the family court process
• assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
• debriefing with clients following family court appearances
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Schools programs

• EngageMENt 'male ally' program is a conversation-based 8-week program led by a male facilitator that guides male students through discussion around popular and sports culture, through a gender lens, and discusses what 'healthy masculinity' means, wrapping up by planning an experiential or service learning initiative (participants may receive up to 15 volunteer hours toward their Community Involvement requirement)